Dr Charlotte Russell, Clinical Psychologist & Founder
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For me, Oaxaca was always somewhere that I wanted to visit. I’d read about it and seen photos and I was struck by the colours and how everyone talked about the food! It seemed like somewhere so full of life and I’m always a big fan of exploring through food. However from the UK it’s not a straightforward trip and so it left me wondering whether it would be worth it.
For my 40th birthday in 2024 I chose to bite the bullet, and headed for an epic 7 day trip to Mexico City and Oaxaca. My answer to the question of whether Oaxaca is worth visiting? It’s an absolute yes from me, despite me needing to take a transatlantic flight.
You’ll especially like Oaxaca if you’re drawn to food, culture, and meaningful travel. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a destination that nourishes more than just your itinerary, Oaxaca is a place that gives generously.
Without further ado, let me tell you how I think you should spend your time in this amazing city.
Two days in Oaxaca
Day 1
Let’s start with breakfast. Here in Oaxaca it’s an invitation to experience the city’s warmth, creativity, and culinary soul. One of my favourite moments from my trip was eating breakfast in the courtyard of NaNaVida Boutique Hotel. The colours were just so bright – it was like having my own Dorothy in Oz feeling. A world away from the grey skies of Manchester!
After breakfast head straight for the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca . This museum is housed in the former Santo Domingo monastery, is one of the most expansive and impressive museums in Mexico. Its vast, echoing corridors and intricately restored cloisters hold centuries of history. You could easily spend half a day here, wandering through its sunlit courtyards and richly curated galleries that offer a deep, layered understanding of Oaxaca’s cultural heritage.
My favourite exhibition was about a female potter called Delores Porras – her work is gorgeous and so intricate.
The other mind-blowing exhibition is about Tomb 7, found when excavating Monte Albán. This is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Mexico, renowned for its extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian treasures. You’ll find out more about this on tomorrow’s trip.
After the museum, take some time to time to explore Oaxaca and take some photographs. The buildings here are intentionally colourful and reflets the city layered history which includes Mixtec, Zapotec and Spanish colonial influence. There is also a thriving street art scene, with murals, block prints, and political art adorning nearly every wall.
After some exploring, dive into the heart of Oaxaca’s daily life — the central market. It’s a vibrant, bustling space where locals shop for everything from fresh produce and handmade chocolate to woven baskets and embroidered textiles. The colours, scents, and sounds are immersive: smoky mole pastes, stacks of dried chilies, and the rhythmic chatter of vendors create a sensory experience that’s both grounding and energising. Even if you’re not buying, it’s a beautiful place to browse, observe, and connect with the city’s cultural pulse.
For dinner, I’d highly recommend Casa Oaxaca which was featured on Eva Longoria’s programme ‘Searching for Mexico’. It was genuinely one of the nicest meals I’ve ever had. Their fish tacos for starters were to die for! I had the fish of the day for the main course and Mr Travel Psychologist had a steak – both were excellent.
If you’re wondering about safety, we felt very comfortable walking to and from the restaurant in the evening. There was a visible police presence outside, which we found reassuring rather than intrusive. The area around Casa Oaxaca — and our nearby accommodation — felt safe, welcoming, and well-frequented by both locals and visitors.
Day 2
For your second day in Oaxaca, I recommend a guided tour to Monte Albán, one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico and a place that left a lasting impression on me. I did this tour. It was inexpensive and efficient and we were super impressed by how knowledgeable our guide was.
I loved how he gave a credible account of what archaeologists know and what they theorise in relation to Monte Alban.
The entire site is both fascinating and breath-taking. But as a psychologist, what struck me most was the evidence of early cranial surgery displayed in the museum section. Several skulls show signs of procedures performed while patients were still alive — possibly to treat epilepsy or other neurological conditions. It’s a remarkable insight into the medical knowledge of the Zapotec civilisation, and it’s supported by other artefacts and findings you’ll encounter on the tour. Their understanding of the human body was far more advanced than we often assume.
We spent 4 hours on the tour and were back in central Oaxaca by lunchtime.
After the trip we had drinks and a light lunch at Expendio Tradicion, a brilliant mezcal bar. Mezcal is made from agave and often distilled in small, family-run palenques. It’s very traditional here in Oaxaca so it’s important to give it a try!
Our waiter took pride in the food and drinks and seemed to care that we enjoyed the local Oaxacan produce. Looking back, I’m so glad we found this bar as it was definitely a highlight in a trip full of highlights!
We also tried the local chapulines (grasshoppers) on our guacamole. These are a beloved culinary tradition in Oaxaca, enjoyed for thousands of years and deeply woven into the region’s cultural identity. Thankfully they gave us a little pot so we could control the quantity!
For dinner I would highly recommend La Quince Letras. This place felt very authentic and we loved eating on their roof terrace.
Where to stay in Oaxaca
If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful, well-located, and genuinely welcoming, we highly recommend NaNaVida Boutique Hotel. This was our base during our stay in Oaxaca, and it truly added something special to the experience.
The hotel is tucked into the historic centre, just a short walk from key sights and restaurants — including Casa Oaxaca. But what really stood out was the atmosphere: colourful courtyards, hand-painted murals, and a sense of authenticity that made it feel more like a home than a hotel. The staff were warm and attentive, and the breakfasts in the courtyard were a highlight — bright, generous, and full of local flavour.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Oaxaca?
We visited in early December, and it was absolutely lovely — warm days, cool evenings, and a festive buzz in the air. It’s part of Oaxaca’s dry season, which runs from November to April, and is widely considered the best time to visit for comfortable weather.
Final Thoughts
Oaxaca is one of those rare places that stays with you — not just for its beauty, but for its depth. It’s a city where food tells stories, colours carry emotion, and every corner invites connection. Whether you’re browsing markets, tasting mezcal, exploring ancient ruins, or simply enjoying breakfast in a sunlit courtyard, Oaxaca offers a kind of travel that nourishes both body and soul.
For me, celebrating a milestone birthday here made the experience even more special. But you don’t need a big occasion to justify the trip. Oaxaca is worth visiting simply because it’s unforgettable.
If you liked this guide, check out my Mexico City and Oaxaca: 7 day itinerary
